Family, Friends Pay Respects In Winchester To Ex-Navy SEAL Killed In Libya
WINCHESTER (CBS/AP) — Family, friends and neighbors honored a former Navy SEAL killed in last week's attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya.
A wake was held Tuesday for Glen Doherty at St. Eulalia Parish in his home town of Winchester.
Gov. Deval Patrick is among the hundreds of people who attended.
The 42-year-old Doherty and three others, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, died in the attack.
They were honored by President Barack Obama at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington on Friday.
Doherty was a private security contractor.
Flags lined his family's neighborhood in Woburn, and are being placed along his funeral route in nearby Winchester.
His sister called Doherty "our American hero" in a statement for her family.
Among the military and political brass at the wake was a small unexpected guest who showed up with a big gesture.
Nine-Year-old Jonathan Arcuri walked down the street from his home to the church. "Some police asked me if I was lost. I said no," the 4th grader said.
Then he got in line to speak to Doherty's mother. When he finally got to her, he says the words flowed. "I think a Navy SEAL is a tough job, and I really think that he protected the country." He says it's a lesson he learned at home and in the very same school system that raised his hometown hero. He didn't leave it at that. "I told the mother I'd pray for him tonight...he should go to heaven."
Before he left, Doherty's mother asked the little boy a question. "She asked if she could hug me." Of course he said yes.
Doherty's funeral Mass is being held at the Winchester church on Wednesday morning.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager contributed to this report.
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